How to maintain polish and prevent scratches on stone surfaces? (Kitchen | Countertops & Surfaces)

Stone surfaces, including granite, marble, and engineered quartz, are among the most popular choices for kitchen benchtops, bathroom vanities, and feature surfaces in Sydney homes. They are prized for their durability, timeless beauty, and high-end appeal. However, maintaining their polish and preventing scratches requires specific care techniques and an understanding of how different stone types behave in high-use environments like family kitchens in Castle Hill or luxury apartments in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

This guide will help homeowners maintain the original lustre of stone surfaces, prevent everyday damage, and ensure long-term durability and aesthetics.

1. Understanding Stone Surfaces

Before diving into maintenance, it’s essential to understand the types of stone surfaces commonly used in Sydney renovations:

• Granite: Extremely durable, scratch-resistant, retains polish well, ideal for high-traffic kitchens.

• Marble: Softer and more porous, beautiful veining but more prone to scratches and etching. Common in heritage homes in Balmain or Paddington.

• Engineered Quartz: Non-porous, low maintenance, uniform in appearance, and resistant to scratches but can dull with abrasive cleaning.

Each stone type requires tailored maintenance techniques to maintain polish and prevent surface scratches.

2. Daily Cleaning for Polished Stone Surfaces

a. Use Gentle, Stone-Safe Cleaners

• Always clean with a mild dish soap or pH-neutral stone cleaner mixed with warm water.

• Avoid acidic cleaners (e.g., vinegar, lemon juice) or harsh chemicals (e.g., bleach) that etch or dull polished surfaces.

b. Soft Cleaning Tools

• Use microfiber cloths or soft sponges for daily wiping.

• Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, or brushes with stiff bristles as they scratch the surface and reduce shine.

c. Wipe Up Spills Immediately

• Liquids like wine, tomato sauce, and coffee can stain or etch polished stone.

• Always blot spills gently rather than wiping aggressively.

Sydney Tip: In coastal areas like Manly, Bondi, and Cronulla, high humidity can accelerate staining on marble surfaces. Daily wiping and prompt drying prevent moisture damage.

3. Preventing Scratches

Stone surfaces, while durable, are not impervious to scratches. Preventive measures are critical:

a. Use Cutting Boards and Trivets

• Always use cutting boards when chopping.

• Place hot pans on trivets rather than directly on the stone; while stone is heat resistant, sudden temperature changes can cause micro-cracks.

b. Avoid Dragging Heavy Objects

• Sliding pots, pans, or small appliances can leave scratches.

• Lift items when moving rather than dragging.

c. Furniture and Daily Activities

• For stone surfaces in open-plan kitchens in North Shore homes, consider felt pads under chairs or decorative items placed on the benchtop to reduce micro-scratches.

4. Polishing Stone Surfaces

Over time, even well-maintained stone surfaces may lose some of their original shine, especially in busy family kitchens in Chatswood or Parramatta.

a. Home Polishing

• Use stone-safe polishing creams recommended for polished granite or marble.

• Follow the product instructions carefully; avoid excessive polishing, which can overheat or dull the surface.

b. Professional Polishing

• Periodic professional polishing (every 1–3 years) restores the original reflective finish.

• Professionals can also repair minor scratches, etches, and dull spots.

Local Insight: MB9 Australia Pty Ltd provides professional polishing services tailored to Sydney homes, ensuring both aesthetics and functional durability.

5. Sealing for Protection

Even polished stones benefit from sealing, especially granite and marble benchtops:

a. Benefits of Sealing

• Reduces porosity, preventing stains, etching, and water marks.

• Enhances the longevity of the polish and overall durability.

b. How Often to Seal

• Granite: Every 1–2 years depending on usage.

• Marble: Every 6–12 months, particularly in high-use areas.

c. Choosing the Right Sealer

• Use a penetrating, polished-stone-safe sealer that does not alter the surface’s reflective properties.

Sydney Tip: Homes in humid coastal suburbs like Coogee and Cronulla benefit from more frequent sealing due to higher moisture exposure.

6. Removing Minor Scratches

Even with precautions, scratches may occur. Here’s how to address them safely:

a. For Granite

• Minor scratches can often be buffed out with a stone polishing powder or professional polishing kit.

b. For Marble

• Use a fine-grit diamond polishing pad or call a professional; marble scratches are easier to see due to its soft surface.

c. Avoid DIY Acid or Abrasive Fixes

• Do not use household acids or abrasive compounds; these can damage the polish further.

7. Preventive Habits for Longevity

1. Daily Wiping: Use soft cloths and mild cleaners.

2. Spill Management: Clean spills immediately to prevent staining.

3. Use Protective Surfaces: Cutting boards, trivets, and coasters.

4. Routine Inspections: Identify dull spots or minor scratches early.

5. Professional Care: Periodic polishing and sealing to maintain polish and prevent scratches.

Sydney Context: In open-plan kitchens in Bondi Junction or modern apartments in Chatswood, regular maintenance ensures the benchtop retains its aesthetic appeal and functional integrity, even with daily family use or entertaining guests.

8. Recommended Products and Tools

• Stone-Safe Cleaners: pH-neutral, non-abrasive.

• Soft Cloths/Microfiber Sponges: For daily and weekly cleaning.

• Stone Polish: Creams designed for granite or marble, safe for food surfaces.

• Sealers: Penetrating, polished-surface friendly, food-safe.

9. Summary

Maintaining polish and preventing scratches on stone surfaces requires:

• Daily care: gentle cleaning and spill management.

• Protective habits: cutting boards, trivets, and careful handling of objects.

• Regular maintenance: sealing and polishing, either DIY or professional.

• Professional guidance: for scratches, dull spots, and long-term protection.

By following these practices, homeowners in North Shore family kitchens, Eastern Suburbs apartments, and coastal Sydney homes can ensure their stone benchtops remain stunning, functional, and scratch-free for decades.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.